Thursday, February 14, 2013Opening Tip: Should Melo play in ASG?
By Ian Begley

Every weekday throughout the season, ESPNNewYork.com will tackle a burning question about the Knicks in our "Opening Tip" segment.

Today's Burning Question: Do you think Carmelo Anthony should sit out of the All-Star Game on Sunday because of his right arm contusion? Or does Melo have an obligation to suit up, even if it's just for a few minutes?

A contusion left Carmelo Anthony's arm "numb" and "dead" for stretches of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors.

Anthony was in so much pain, in fact, he might sit out of Sunday's All-Star Game.

And that may be a good idea.

Don't be surprised if some people who say Anthony has an obligation to play in Houston because he was voted into the game by the fans.

I'd say his obligation, first and foremost, is to the Knicks.

And that means his priority should be to return home from Houston healthy and ready to hit the floor running in the second half.